Free Speech and its First Amendment protections have rarely been as controversial and central to public discussion in the United States as they are today. After a brief introduction to free speech as understood before it became enshrined in the Constitution’s First Amendment, we’ll examine and trace its history in the U.S.—legally, politically, philosophically and socially—from 1791 to the present day.
Topics explored will include such longstanding issues as dissent and censorship, flag burning, prior restraint, “fighting words,” and obscenity. More recent controversial matters include hate speech, free-speech zones, trigger warnings, offensiveness, “snowflakes,” online trolling, free speech on campus, regulation of social-media platforms, and whether free speech, traditionally a value fought for by the Left, is now more commonly embraced by the Right.
Fall 2025
This course provides students with a rich look at the historical and contemporary factors that have shaped America’s wealth gaps. By studying the economic impacts of systemic forces such as discriminatory housing, predatory lending, and unbanking, students will develop a deep financial understanding of today’s urban communities.
Fall 2025
An advanced seminar in PPE offered by Paideia-affiliated faculty. As an advanced interdisciplinary seminar, this course is open to juniors and seniors with a declared PPE major (open to others by departmental permission). For a detailed course description visit: https://ppe.sas.upenn.edu/study/curriculum/advanced-interdisciplinary-courses